Famous Kings - Jehoshaphat

1. Advanced Spiritual Reform

“And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.” (2 Chronicles 17:9, ESV)

• Jehoshaphat does not take Spiritual understanding for granted but sends teachers

• Proactive discipleship

2. Attempting to Heal What God Broke

“Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab.” (2 Chronicles 18:1, ESV)

“And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.”” (2 Chronicles 18:4, ESV)

“But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”” (2 Chronicles 19:2–3, ESV)

3. Sheltering in God In Fear

“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.” (2 Chronicles 20:3–6, ESV)

“And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”” (2 Chronicles 20:15–17, ESV)

“And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”” (2 Chronicles 20:20–21, ESV)

Questions:

• Are you proactive in your discipleship? Define your current efforts to know God better.

• Are you forcing God? What is not working according to your plan that is not in God’s plan?

• What promise from God keeps you going?